International call-ups: Pearce in for ROI

Reading defender Alex Pearce has been called up to the the Republic of Ireland squad for their friendly against Poland in two weeks time, among others Royals who have been called upon for international duty.

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If he does play a part in the friendly against Poland, it will be Pearce's second cap for Ireland, having already appeared once and scored for them in a 4-1 victory against Oman back in September. Former Reading defender Darren O'Dea was set to be called up in place of Pearce, but his club side Toronto have opted to keep him.

Royals captain Jobi McAnuff could be set to come out of international retirement for Jamaica, as his national side have called upon his services for a World Cup qualifier against Mexico. Adrian Mariappa has also been called up, while there is also a place for uncapped Garath McCleary, who qualifies for the country.

The Royals' Welsh contingent is also in full force, with Chris Gunter, Hal Robson-Kanu and Simon Church all being called up for Chris Coleman's side, ahead of their game with Austria. Gunter and Robson-Kanu have been regular starters under the former Fulham manager, while Church has often had to settle for a place on the bench.

Goalkeeper Adam Federici has been called up to the Australia squad, as the Socceroo's plan to face Romania in a friendly in two weeks time. There were no call-ups for the likes of Noel Hunt, Ian Harte or right-back Shaun Cummings, who is reportedly being tracked by Jamaica, for whom he qualifies.